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Sleeping in Turkey airports

We will fly from Izmir to Istanbul (8:00 am)and Istanbul (SAW)to Cologne (03:45 am) in August,2007. We need to stay in those 2 airports overnite to catch the early morning flights. Anyone have any helpful tips ? Is that safe to stay ON in those airports ?
Many thanks.

Posted by
85 posts

Dear Grace,
I saw your message by chance I was looking for Italy information.
I am living in Izmir :)
Itis no problem, It is one of the most secure and safe airport in the Turkey,
I have no time to write now, you can forward all your questions, which shall be answered in a due time. When are you going to be in Izmir? coming from where?

Regards,
Khan

Posted by
1358 posts

I second the recommendation to read "Sleeping in Airports". It is best to learn from travelers who have slept there. Generally speaking I have slept in two airports, but I always research that webpage before I decide to try it. Although one writer said it is a safe terminal, you may find that the security force prevents sleeping in the lounge area. You need to know where it is safe and also permitted.

Posted by
6 posts

Two of us - both male - overnighted in Ataturk airport in Istanbul in November 2003. The only problem then was that the lights were never turned down and there were no comfortable seats to stretch out on. We spent part of the night joking with some security guards and never felt threatened or unsafe.

I hope you are aware that SAW is a long way from Ataturk airport. I flew out of SAW this April and it was a good hour plus drive in early morning non-traffic, once we cleared the bridge, from downtown (Taksim Square) to SAW on the Asian side. The terminal I used at SAW was very small with little space for seating much less overnighting. Everyone (except for the overburdened baggage security people) was extremely friendly and helpful.